One Woman's View

I Love to See the Temple

2006-03-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

At the funeral of Patriarch Joseph Smith Sr., his feelings about the temple were described in these words:

'To dwell in the house of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple, was his daily delight; and in it he enjoyed many blessings, and spent many hours in sweet communion with his heavenly Father. He has trod its sacred aisles, solitary and alone from mankind, long before the king of day has gilded the eastern horizon; and he has uttered his aspirations within its walls, when nature has been asleep. In its holy enclosures have the visions of heaven been opened to his mind, and his soul has feasted on the riches of eternity'Yeah, I get it.

Sacred Symbols... Universal Symbols

2006-03-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have been giving a lot of thought to symbols and how they apply to my spirituality, my religion, and my life. I have thought much about the fact that what we have now in the LDS Church are the necessary saving ordinances, and the symbols found within the temple have power, but most of us never come to understand their true power.

There are also symbols on the exterior of the temple. The most obvious being the statue of Moroni. However, on the SLC temple there are many hundreds of symbols on the exterior of the building. What do they all mean and why are they there? I have been doing some reading online, and I have found the information very interesting. One quote that has impacted me is this:

Do you use Satanic symbols in the temple?,by W. John Walsh

One of the things I know about me and my quest to come to Christ, is that milk doesn't sustain me or fill me. It never has, and never will. It is not that I cannot appreciate milk, because I do... I love the simplicity of the gospel of Christ, I love it! But part of the reason I love it is because under the milk is meat, and under the meat are the mysteries.

Perhaps one reason I have been drawn to the temple so often lately is not only because of the spirit of the Temple that I carry with me back to my home, where it is needed so badly, but because I am hungry for the meat and the mysteries.

One of my dearest friends taught me to pray this: Please make me weird like Joseph Smith. Well, I believe I have prayed that enough, and wanted it enough that the Lord is blessing me with knowledge that I cannot even express. It is found in the temple... and for me it sometimes comes at me when I least expect it.

I know that one of my prayers lately and the desire of my heart it that the Lord teach me how to come to him, instead of trying to do it "my way". I know that in my fallen state, even if I turn to the scriptures I can "wrest" them and bend them so that I think I am going the right way, when in fact, the Lord will open the door for me and show me His way. Lord, show me thy way to come unto thee.

Thomas... Doubting or Devoted

2006-02-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

I was listening to a talk by Michael Wilcox (I believe I mentioned this previously) but something he said in the talk just keeps coming back to me.

In relation to marriage, he spoke about a "Remain With Me" marriage, referring to the commandment that Adam spoke of that "Eve should remain with me". He said that we need to create "Remain With Me" marriages, because the truth is there will be rough times, but that relationship is sacred and eternal. He said, "None of you will be disappointed in your spouse on the morning of the resurrection."

He talked about Doubting Thomas. How unfortunate it is that the way we remember Thomas is at his worst. Usually in our problems with our spouse we remember them at their worst. When in fact, Thomas was an amazing disciple. In fact it was he who when Jesus was going to go raise Lazarus from the dead, and the disciples were afraid he would be killed, it is recorded in John 11:16: Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him."

Why don't we remember Thomas as this incredibly faithful and loyal follower, instead of the "doubting" one?

So it should be with our spouses. Let us remember them as "devoted" rather than "doubting", and know that as we "Remain With Them" we will not be disappointed in the eternities.

Listening...

2006-02-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

With the gift of my birthday Nano, comes the ability to download speeches and listen while I am driving or working out. This is a HUGE gift, because it gives me the focus on the things of the Spirit that I so desperately need.

I have favorite speakers... usually those who use the scriptures in powerful ways and who don't rely on cute stories to teach milk. I need meat when it comes to the things of the spirit!

So, over the last few days I have listened to two talks by Michael Wilcox. He is one of my favorite speakers because of his depth of understanding of the scriptures and the simple and non-flamboyant manner of his presentation. The two talks I listened to are "Using The Scriptures to Solve Serious Problems" and "That All Their Outgoings From This House May Be in the Name of the Lord" from Women's Conference 2000. Wow. Talk about an answer to prayers...

Of course there is the delightful talk that Sheri Dew gave at last year's Women's Conference, "That Which of God is Light". It is an excellent talk to women about the power of charity and the destroying influence that Satan uses on us particularly. That was my gym workout the other morning.

This gift of technology is so needed right now! The Lord knows that the Saints need the counter-influence of the Spirit compared to what Satan puts in front of us all the time.

Anyway, this has opened my heart and my ears and my eyes to what I need to do in my life.

Standing a little taller

2006-02-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

I look out over my life and I see miracles, wonders, and the Lord's blessing in every little thing. Am I looking too hard to find these things? No! The Lord blesses me so richly in all things. From the simple to the sublime, the Lord is watching over me and my sweetlings.

I want to stand taller, I want to be ready to serve the Lord at all times. I do want to do what is right, regardless of the consequences. I want to be an example to my family and to all those around me.

It is the silliest thing that I have to learn and relearn that when I am doing what is right, doing what is good for me, and doing what is selfless and compassionate, I feel better. I am sure the Lord just smiles and nods and says, "Yes, Lianne, I know. Isn't that wonderful?"

"Now, my brethren and sisters, the time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike." Gordon B. Hinckley, "This Is the Work of the Master," Ensign, May 1995, 71

The Year Ends

2005-12-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

I spent several hours today reviewing the last year and looking ahead to the next. Although I don't necessarily take stock in "resolutions" per se, I have set some goals for the coming year.

Part of the reason I have elected to (once again) challenge my food addiction, is that I have come to believe and to understand that my addiction is mirrored in Robbie's addiction to drugs... and frankly my other childrens' addictions to things as well.

But tonight a miracle arrived at my sick bed (influenza.. I will live). The phone rang and it was my son Robbie. Rob is currently in the Utah County Jail where he is attending an inpatient drug treatment plan. He came into it desiring some changes in his life. I don't know if this was what he bargained for.

Robbie too is suffering from the flu. He told me they don't let him get under the covers during the day, but he can lie on his bed and shiver. They do not allow him to have Tylenol. He has been warming up water bottles in the microwave and he is using them as heaters. However, in this midst of this his heart is softening. He said he spent an hour on his knees "praying to God, confessing and repenting. I didn't care who saw me or who thought I was foolish. Obviously what I was doing before wasn't working, so I'm trying something new."

A few days ago he met another inmate who challenged him to "pray to know if the Book of Mormon was true." They have met together and studied the scriptures, and Robbie is allowing himself to be taught by this man who has had a rough life, but who knows what is true. He has also met with the missionaries in jail... and has told me that he plans on attending church when he gets out.

Truly the Lord has Robbie in his arms, and his carrying him to where he needs to be. Although his experiences may not be as Alma's I pray that the results may be the same.

How to know ourselves....

2005-12-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Joseph Smith - April 7, 1844

"If a man learns nothing more than to eat, drink and sleep, and does not comprehend any of the designs of God, the beast comprehends the same things. It eats, drinks, sleeps, and knows nothing more about God; yet it knows as much as we, unless we are able to comprehend by the inspiration of Almighty God. If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves."

I listened to myself in my head on the way to work this morning. It was a litany of all the negative thoughts I could compile in the 20 minutes. I'm too fat, I'm a rotten mom, I don't feel good, blah blah blah.

How quickly I forgot that I knelt this morning and asked for God's spirit and asked to be able to hear his voice. In essence I asked to comprehend the character of God.

Obviously I wasn't quite getting His character, or mine!

Be still my soul.... and hear who you are.

A Funeral

2005-12-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

I don't make it a practice to attend funerals... let's face it, they are hard. But today I attending my friend Susan's funeral.

This was one of those life-changing experiences where the veil is thin, the angels are singing, and you see in a larger picture why we are here and what we have to do while we are here.

This family has experience so much of life's lessons in such a short period of time. In the last month three babies have been born and three family members have been taken in death. As her husband said today, "When grief and joy are at their peak and happen at the same time, it is almost a new feeling in and of itself. It is love, and faith, and hope, and something higher that we cannot name."

I know those feelings... I know the feeling of unspeakable grief mixed with perfect hope. I know the feeling of sorrow that is expanded by enormous love. I know of what he speaks.

However, when the grandchildren got up and sang "I am a Child of God" and wept... wept for grandmother, and wept for mother or aunt and missing nephew... that was too much. Most cried, many sobbed. It is one thing for adults to rely on their experience, on their faith, and their maturity... but it is quite another to see children weighed down by grief.

However, the all encompassing feeling of this experience was that we were all loved perfectly, and that through Christ, our lives can be eventful, but peaceful.

How grateful I am for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A thought who we are and who fights for us

2005-11-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

My son was ordained a Priest today. In order to be worthy he had to give up some of the wordly pleasures he had become acquainted with. I believe he will yet be tempted, but for now he is filled with light. When he was almost 15 I wondered if I'd ever get him to set foot in church, much less advance in the priesthood.

I have noticed that since he turned 16 back in August, the heat was turned up for him. It seemed like temptations were coming out of the woodwork to lure him back to the vices he so enjoyed. When I was reacting to these things, I got angry. When I stopped an realized what this all meant, I was in awe.

You see, I believe... no, I know that my son is one who has a mighty mission ahead of him. He is a powerful leader, blessed with the gift of being able to talk to anyone (he came that way, for I remember him at the age of 3 yacking it up with the neighbor guy), he has the ability to extend himself in love and giving in a way I've not seen many young men do. He is not afraid of his feelings, and willingly expresses them to everyone. He shares his, "I love you" with many. John is also one who has some remarkable spiritual gifts. He can "see" things going on when he isn't present. He doesn't understand the implication of this yet, but I can see how as a leader in the church this "sight" will be a blessing to many.

So of course, the Adversary would open all the stops to torment John. He put tobacco in the forefront, but through in a little this and a little that over the last several months to throw him off guard.

Frustrated by John's increasing lack of desire to quit smoking, and in concert with our dear Bishop, I approached John about two weeks ago and said, "What will it take to get you to quit?" He named his price (an IPod Nano) and I said, "If you quit smoking for a month, I will buy you a Nano. If you take one puff on one cigarette, the Nano is mine."

I shared this with Bishop, and he said "Let's get him ordained as soon as possible." You see, he knows, as do I that there is a protection in that ordination.. unseen and perhaps to John unfelt. But I know it's real, as does Bishop.

So sure enough, even with John feeling sick today, both the Bishop and I agreed that it had to be today. So we dragged him to Priest's Quorum and Brent ordained him.

And now there is a different spirit about him. Just like that. As if we said to the Adversary, "There, take that!"

You see, aeons ago John stood in that council and said, "I will follow Jesus and I will be his disciple, and I will lead other to Christ." The Adversary knows that, and the Lord knows it. Naturally the war still rages for John's soul, but for now we can say that this battle has been won.

Book of Mormon and War

2005-11-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

There is much in the news these days about our "exit strategy" for Iraq. It annoys me. We have painted ourselves into a corner. That which wasn't to be another Viet Nam is now perhaps even worse.

I am a Republican. I have, for the most part, supported President Bush. But something in my Book of Mormon reading this morning really struck me.

I am in 3 Nephi, and Lachoneus receives an epistle from Giddianhi, the Chief of the Gadianton Robbers. Note what follows...

[12] Now behold, this Lachoneus, the governor, was a just man, and could not be frightened by the demands and the threatenings of a robber; therefore he did not hearken to the epistle of Giddianhi, the governor of the robbers, but he did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them.

[14] And he caused that fortifications should be built round about them, and the strength thereof should be exceedingly great. And he caused that armies, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites, or of all them who were numbered among the Nephites, should be placed as guards round about to watch them, and to guard them from the robbers day and night.

[18] Now the chiefest among all the chief captains and the great commander of the armies of the Nephites was appointed, and his name was Gidgiddoni.

[19] Now it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their chief captains, (save it were in their times of wickedness) some one that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy; therefore, this Gidgiddoni was a great prophet among them, as also was the chief judge.

[20] Now the people said unto Gidgiddoni: Pray unto the Lord, and let us go up upon the mountains and into the wilderness, that we may fall upon the robbers and destroy them in their own lands. (Or in other words, INVADE their territories)

[21] But Gidgiddoni saith unto them: The Lord forbid; for if we should go up against them the Lord would deliver us into their hands; therefore we will prepare ourselves in the center of our lands, and we will gather all our armies together, and we will not go against them, but we will wait till they shall come against us; therefore as the Lord liveth, if we do this he will deliver them into our hands. (Now there is a novel concept...)

I was so struck this morning that it is not the will of God that America should invade other countries, but that we should defend ourselves here in our own lands against the enemy should he come. Now, I know there are those out there that will cite political strategies, and what not, but for me, right this minute, this is my truth.

In Gratitude

2005-11-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

It is Thanksgiving week, and the country counts its many blessings. However, over the years I have come to appreciate that gratitude is a key to so many things. I have learned that gratitude is a key to personal revelation. It is an antidote for fear and depression. Gratitude is a portal to having the Spirit of the Lord as a constant companion.

There is a great miracle in being grateful for every moment, for every learning, for every experience. Imagine the strength and insight that comes from being grateful in a trial!

Many years ago during a time in my life that was rather dark, I was prompted by the Spirit to "Pray without ceasing in gratitude". What ensued was an amazing spiritual experience, where I was prompted over and over by the Spirit for those things I should be grateful for. I will never forget that night of praising God for Brahms, Mozart, and Beethoven; telephones, friends and loved ones, fresh water, warm beds, and the safety of my home.

To that list I would add the following:

I am grateful for a merciful Savior, whose love never fails.
For children who love in spite of my weakness.
For friends who miraculously appear when I need them.
For God's grace and tender mercies.
For sufficient for my needs, and then some.
For the struggle of self-discovery.
For the quiet whisper of the Spirit.
For the chastisement of a loving God.
For the ability to stretch spiritually.
For the inspiration of a living Prophet.
For the Book of Mormon.
For a missionary daughter.
For each day that brings sunlight and air.
For the safety of my valley.
For the blessing of a kind husband.
For the beauty of music, especially that of the human voice.
For the miracles of technology.
For the colors of nature.
For laughter.
For tears.
For unending perfect love.

The Stillness of the Sanctuary

2005-11-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

I desire to capture a feeling, an experience but without revealing too much. I have been taught too many times that the Lord reveals more to those who keep their mouth shut than to those who blab (blog?) about sacred things.

Last night was our Ward Temple night. We attended the Provo Temple. It was packed with the various wards and stakes from the district. The first blessing of the night was that I was able to sit quietly in the chapel for an extended period and read the Book of Mormon. I was able to finish Alma and get into the first five chapters of Helaman. The Book of Helaman is always rough for me... the juxtaposition of the incredible missionary work with the evils of the secret combinations just hits a little too close to home for me.

When we finally moved into the ordinance room it was still and peaceful. I immediately fell into a deep meditative state, pouring out my heart to God. At one point, with my eyes closed, I remember thinking, "Man, Sr. B is sure in my space! Why can't she just sit in her own seat?" Now, Sister B weighs about 95 pounds and was no where near my space. I remember the sensation of people being all around me, in my face. Then I finally put 2 and 2 together (mercifully). It wasn't Sr. B at all... the room was filled with angels. When I did have that realization I was able to utter my profound gratitude for experiencing that moment. Lucy confirmed that she too felt the same.

I also had the profound assurance that if I would spend more time in the stillness of the temple sanctuary, the blessings of the temple would extend to my family in a powerful manifestation.

I will hearken and obey.

Judgement Kills

2005-11-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

This thought was shared with me this weekend. Judgement is one of those things that is keeping me small. I have to practice seeing the whole picture, and not the person in the moment.

When we plant a rose seed in the earth,
We notice that it is small,
But we do not criticize it as “Rootless and Stemless.”
We treat it as a seed,
Giving it the water and nourishment required of a seed.

When it first shoots up out of the earth,
We don’t condemn it is “immature and underdeveloped;”
Nor do we criticize the buds for not being open when they appear.
We stand in wonder of the process taking place
And give the plant the care it needs at each stage of development.

The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed
To the time it dies.
Within it at all times,
It contains its whole beauty.
It seems to be constantly in the process of change -
Yet at each stage, at each moment
It is perfect just the way it is.

God is in the details....

2005-10-26T14:51:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a rough day... getting fired is never at the top of anyone's list of "things I need to do today".

However, due to the tender mercies of the Lord, I was prepared.

About 10:35 yesterday morning I left my office to use the restroom. I walked by an empty desk and saw the HR Directior sitting there. I thought, "That's weird... what is he doing here." But on my way to the restroom the quiet whisper of the Spirit said to me, "They are going to terminate you today."

I returned to my office and was able to remove my personal files from my computer. These were tantamount to four years of things I had collected at work.

Sure enough at 11:35, my boss and the HR director came marching in and spoke the words I already knew they were going to say.

I understood very clearly Joseph's comment about being "as calm as a summer's morning", for indeed I felt that way.

As difficult as it is to be dismissed, I wasn't happy. They knew it, and I knew it. I feel God's hand in this.. creating a space for me to discover what it is that will truly make me happy and that will enable me to contribute good things.

I know that God is in the details of our lives. He knows my plan and he is assisting me to execute it, however messy I may try to make it.

How grateful I am for his tender mercies and his unending love.

How the Manifesto Manifests

2005-10-24T13:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday in Sunday School the topic of President Woodruff and the Manifesto came up. (Manifesto being the official statement from the church ending polygamy). I had never realized that the US government had treatened to take over the temples, and that would have in essence ended the work for the living and the dead. Nevertheless, President Woodruff made the statement that it was the Lord ending the practice of polygamy, not the threats of the US government.

I was sitting next to my neighbor, Alyce, and I leaned over and said, "Can you imagine being told by the prophet that Ken was no longer your husband?"

She looked up at me, startled. "I'd never thought of it like that before."

Then the aha came to me.

I am the product of several polygamous marriages. In fact, I remember my grandfather meticulously keeping photographs of his "uncles" who were incarcerated (and eventually pardoned) for continuing to practice polygamy.

I am the product of women who were in essence left without husbands. They had to take their children, their homes, and make it on their own. Do we consider how their hearts were broken? Do we consider their feelings of betrayal, of anger, and eventually of submission? Do we consider how it made those women feel about men.

It is in my DNA to be self-sufficient. It is in my DNA to be the provider, the leader, and the "power woman". Is it any wonder that I have struggled in marriage, balancing the fear that the husband will leave with the fear that I might lose control of the marriage?

This was a huge realization, and with that realization comes the necessity to end the pattern. I don't want to pass this on to my daughters and granddaughters.

There can be balance in a marriage, an equal partnership. God give me the strength and courage to find it.

You must be present to win...

2005-10-12T19:29:00.000-06:00

I have commented before that it is with great irony that when we make an intention to do better, the Lord shines the spotlight on every instance in our life that reflects this weakness.

Just one of the ways I was busted last weekend at Alchemist Class was that I "don't show up 100% in life". Another way of saying that is that I "check out" at important times, at difficult times, pretty much when ever I darn well feel like it.

This isn't news to me, I mean I have been aware on some level of my unconscious wanderings, but when I made the statement, "I want to live 100%", well there were angels taking notes.

This is how my unconsciousness and my desire to check out manifested itself within 24 hours.

On Sunday I received some tragic news that the daughter of a friend had been killed in a bicycle/auto collision. (Carolyn’s friend Patty… I don’t know if you remember her..) This hit me very hard, and I consciously tried to feel all that I was feeling. However, late Sunday night Brent and I were watching TV and I don't even remember the show, but the final scene showed a woman in a hospital bed in a coma. I looked at that and thought to myself, "Cool... a coma." Red lights and sirens went off in my brain. Talk about a checkout!

Monday morning I am doing my hair, thinking about this whole concept of being present. I have a set routine, I use one brush to preliminarily dry my hair, and another to finish it off. Well, I was so not-present I used the first brush too long and I had really bad hair all day.

Then I'm thinking about Robbie... my son who would rather spend six months in jail than do a 3 hour class once a week. Gee, I wonder where he learned to check out so well?

Then I start noticing about how I wander during my prayers... my mouth keeps going but my thoughts are everywhere. Check out. Scriptures... my eyes read the words, but I'm totally checked out. Driving? Well, we all know what auto-pilot means - checked out.

OK. so I get it. I check out all the time. Now, would You please help me with my intention to be present, to show up 100% in this life? I got the first part of the equation, now I need help with the hard part.

Oh how I love Conference!

2005-10-01T19:20:00.000-06:00

What deliciousness! What joy!

How I love President Hinckley, President Faust! How I love to hear Elder Oaks, Elder Holland, and Elder "Hal" Eyring! The talks were just so wonderful!

OK, with all these exclamation points I'm starting to sound like Julia. I wonder how conference was in France? Do they have subtitles, or dubbing?

I can't wait for tomorrow... but then I know I'll feel the same let down when it is all over. This weekend just flys by.

Conference Weekend

2005-09-30T13:56:00.000-06:00

Yippee!

Thoughts from the Universe

2005-09-28T09:26:00.000-06:00

Sometime back I signed up for an online daily message "from the Universe". Every now and then the message is extremely meaningful. This was the case today.

Sometimes when you're ready for a change, Lianne, and you kind of know it but won't admit it, when it comes, not only are you surprised, but it hurts.

Yeah, I know that doesn't help much, unless you remember the "ready" part. Because there is simply no change that might ever transpire in time and space that happens before you're fully able to use it for your own growth and glory.

So hey, Lianne, you may as well just act like you had personally requested it, and soar. Because, truthfully, you did, and, honestly, you can.

The idea behind this message is that change happens, and without really being totally concious of it, we have set it up for our own good. Another way of thinking of this message is that Heavenly Father knows the thoughts and intentions of our heart, and if we have indeed said, "Hey, I want to be exalted! Bring it on!" that He delivers on our requests.

Change can hurt, or change can be something we accept with joy and thanksgiving that the Lord has seen fit to refine us.

Whew... sometimes just writing that can make you out of breath.

In any event, I am grateful for the reminder, and I will continue to seek to follow God's plan for me... after all, I asked for it.

If it is true...

2005-09-20T09:17:00.000-06:00

I was listening to NPR this morning on my way in to work. They were talking about Simon Wiesenthal's death. They played a clip of him speaking about why he dedicated his life to hunting Nazis. He said, "I am a religious man. If my religion is true, I may meet people who were killed by the Nazis and I want to tell them how I dedicated my life."

Wow. "If my religion is true... I may meet them...." It hit me so hard that my faith, my personal faith, is such a gift. I don't have to worry about whether or not I may be right... I know what I believe is true. I cannot imagine dedicating my life to a religion where I still had doubts and fears.

Perhaps this is a fundamental weakness of the Jewish faith, although I can't imagine why. Of all people they should know with a certainty that Jehovah is their God. And indeed, how could Mr. Wiesenthal dedicate his life to a cause that he was only partly sure of.

The whole idea of faith just fascinates me. I am so grateful for what I have been given.

With his stripes we are healed

2005-09-18T15:18:00.000-06:00

Mosiah 14

[4] Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

[5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

In my Book of Mormon reading this week I was caught up in Abinadi's quotation of Isaiah. In fact, I actually opened the Book of Mormon while in the midst of the Relief Society retreat, and the words of these two verses struck me so profoundly that the next day I read them again and again.

Of course I am familiar with these verses. Handel used them in the Messiah. They are oft quoted. Yet something about this poetry (for it is indeed poetry) hit me to my core.

This picture of the Atonement is so much more than just repentance, although repentance is a large part. It is about the care, the nuture, the solace that the Savior can give each of us because he knows our griefs, our sorrows, and what it takes to bring us peace. He is the only source for us, he is the wellspring, he is the fountain, he is the Living Water. We needn't look anywhere else, for it is only in and through Jesus Christ and his suffering on our behalf that we can be healed.

And here I am, living so much in my head because my heart is such a scary place, here I am desperately wanting that connection, that touch of my Master's hand in my life. I want to feel it... not just know about it. I want to be one with him. I want to "see his face, and know that He is!" (D&C 93)

Past Feeling?

2005-09-08T09:43:00.000-06:00

I was listening to NPR this morning on my way into work. I heard the voices of those caught up in the tragedy of Katrina. I heard sorry, pain, loss, deep, deep feeling.

I have spent most of my life numb. Oh sure, there were moments when I actually felt deep sadness, or depression, but because I didn't have the coping mechanisms to truly feel deeply, I missed so much. The irony, of course, is that I *thought* I was feeling deeply.

So as I listened to the stories on the radio this morning the thought came to me that the Lord really wants us to feel deeply, because that is how the Spirit teaches us. Whether it is feelings of joy and gratitude, or sorrow and grief, the Lord understands perfectly that it is through our feelings, our most sensitive underbelly, that He can reach us.

And, to carry that on even further, it is through our feelings that we are changed. If we are feeling love, we are connected with Christ. If we are feeling anger, we are displaced in that connection. Christ's intention is to change us... we allow Him in through our feelings, through our *heart*. Then He takes our hearts, and with His infinite and perfect love, He changes it.

How grateful I am for the experiences of my life that have taught me to feel.

Reading the Book of Mormon

2005-09-04T20:35:00.000-06:00

I am in Jacob. I love Jacob 4... I love that this wonderful man had the faith when a young man to see the Lord, and to be able to teach us with such power and authority, and love.

Reading the Book of Mormon everyday has had an interesting effect on my life. I begin the day with at least two chapters, sometimes more. It connects me with a purpose, a grounding if you will, to what is truly important in my life. It enables me to walk in a different spirit... one that loves more, understands more, is more patient, and is more connected with God's will.

Yes, that President Hinckley is a pretty smart guy having us all read the Book of Mormon together as a church. I think I like the people he hangs out with. :)

Busted

2005-08-29T12:51:00.000-06:00

I have been learning some interesting things about life, and because you are also in the middle of life, you might enjoy hearing about these realizations. First of all, I realized that if we are to have charity, there has to be a practical way to practice charity. Yes we pray for it, but when it is endowed, we still have to act on it.

In conversation with Brent last night, I found myself getting upset at some of the things he was saying. We weren’t fighting or arguing, but we were having a conversation. I found myself going to that place of “I wish he’d see things my way”. In fact, I was actually so prideful to think that my way was the only right way and that eventually he would come to see things the way I see them.

Busted.

So this morning as I was getting ready for work I was in prayer and I was meditating about how I can learn from this situation.

This is what came to me, and I think these are universal principles that can be applied to companions, investigators, friends, etc.

1. God is in charge. He knows us perfectly and he knows what we need to experience and learn to progress.

2. Everyone has a right to be right where they are. I can’t expect Brent to be someplace he isn’t, any more than he can expect that of me. We are where we are, and we are either progressing one way or the other.

3. I don’t have the right to judge where someone else is. I can only look at myself and see where I am and how I react to people, situations, etc.

4. Love and acceptance are the Christ-like way. It is only through accepting what is and loving others that we can find peace and become like Christ.

This is what I am trying to practice in all my affairs with people. As my friend Lynette likes to say, “People are mess-making machines.” I make messes, you make messes… but through Jesus Christ we can clean them up.

God's Angels in Cyberspace

2005-08-24T13:07:00.000-06:00

I had one of those really weird experiences this morning... I was wandering through some blogs, and I found one belonging to a woman in Valencia, CA. She is LDS, and had written an entry on her blog about something, and true to form, I couldn't keep my opinion to myself, so I commented on hers.

She writes back to say that my comment on her blog was an answer to her prayers.

Wow.

How cool is that?

And now I have a new bloggin' buddy.

Education Week - Robert Norman, part 1

2005-08-18T16:41:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful experience last night attending Education Week with Brent and Lynn. We listened to Robert Norman, an institute teacher from the U. He was AMAZING. I’m talking pure doctrine flowing from that man. I was just on fire afterwards.

He spoke on Joseph Smith, and I will try to capture my notes from last night. I was writing as fast as I could because everything he said was life changing. He quoted a great deal from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and made this statement, “If you don’t have a copy of Teachings, you need to ask yourself why you wouldn’t want to read the words of the Head of this Dispensation? Joseph Smith knew, understood, and saw more than any living person, save Jesus, and so why aren’t we immersing ourselves in his writings?” Good point.

He made this wonderful connection between how we treat others and our ability to receive revelation: “You have to live it, to get it”. He explained that Joseph was always kind to everyone, even though who would imprison him. And Joseph was “constantly receiving” from the Lord. Br. Norman explained that the Lord would constantly reveal to us regardless of our worthiness, it just might not be the message we desired. He used the example of Laman and Lemuel receiving quite a bit of harshness… but we should be seeking the peaceable things of the kingdom, and those can only be received when we are living love. “I do not dwell upon your faults, and you shall not upon mine. Charity, which is love, covereth a multitude of sins, and I have often covered up all the faults among you; but the prettiest thing is to have no faults at all. We should cultivate a meek, quiet and peaceable spirit.” (TPJS p. 316)

He made a very interesting point about Matthew 7:7-12. ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being• evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do• to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Note that the Lord is teaching us about receiving and how the Father will give.. but then this paragraph ends with the Golden Rule! Receiving revelation from the Father is inextricably connected with our behavior towards others! Loving others allows us to feel the Lords revelations (unlike Laman and Lemuel who were past feeling) of the peaceable things and the mysteries of the kingdom.

Br. Norman said “Joseph taught that you have to know all about the Kingdom before you can enter it. We get some information from the scriptures, but remember, the Lord taught Joseph things far beyond the scriptures. We have to obtain this information through the scriptures, which will then lead us to be taught by personal revelation and angels.” Do we believe this?
Joseph said, “It is my meditation all the day, and more than my meat and drink, to know how I shall make the Saints of God comprehend the visions that roll like an overflowing surge before my mind.” (TPJS p. 296) Listen to that… the visions and revelations roll like and overflowing surge. I want that!

“Add to your faith knowledge, etc. The principle of knowledge is the principle of salvation. This principle can be comprehended by the faithful and diligent; and every one that does not obtain knowledge sufficient to be saved will be condemned. The principle of salvation is given us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” TPJS p. 296

There is so much more that I learned. I will share it with you. The bottom line is that it isn’t enough to just go to Church, we have love the DOCTRINE of CHRIST! Then we have to do the doctrine.

Education Week Snippets

2005-08-18T12:03:00.000-06:00

Lynn Greene enticed me into attending an evening of Education Week.. and of course now I am in mourning because I haven't attended every single hour.

However, she shared some quotes with me that I found quite enlightening.

Grace is God's acceptance of us.
Faith is our acceptance of God's grace.
Peace is our acceptance of ourselves.

God loves me perfectly just the way I am.
But he loves me too much to leave me this way.
He wants me to be like Jesus.

Leadership is not what I did as a leader today,
Leadership is what I allowed others to do as leaders.

Energy and God's Power

2005-08-16T09:08:00.000-06:00

I had a little "ah ha" last week after my Alchemist's class. I find myself being tuned into energy more and more... how to move it, how to send it, even how to see it. Someone said to me, "You don't know it yet, but you are and always have been an energy worker."

Then my mind was taken back to 1992. This was a time of heightened spiritual awareness and focus. I had experiences during that time that were so incredibly experiential in nature. I felt powerful because of my connection to Christ. I remember feeling that if I could just touch someone, I could somehow infuse healing. I remember feeling that the thoughts of my heart could somehow come through my hands, my prayers, my thoughts... and bless the lives of others.

So my "ah ha" is this: that was my introduction to a conciousness about energy work. Energy is after all from God, it is our life-force which is the spirit of Christ. When I am totally connected with Christ, as I was during the period of time in 1992 and during other times, I can indeed move "energy" or "prayer power" to heal and love and enfold others in my energy.

Wow.. who knew?

Opposition in All Things

2005-08-11T09:41:00.000-06:00

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly things are manifesting themselves. Cause and effect, light and dark... I feel like I'm living in about a G force of 3.

Last night I went to the temple with the ward. It was wonderful, of course. However, as I sat in the endowment I realized how Satan maneuvers himself between Adam and Eve and the messengers of light. He actually stands in front of Adam and Eve as if to preven them from being in the light.

Well, that manifestation of darkness when there has been light (or the law of Equal Time) is virtualy instant.

Last night, after coming home after the temple, all hell broke loose at my house. We found Rob with his friends upstairs about to take an illegal drug. What insued was inspired by the Spirit, and for that I am grateful, but I was shocked at how rapidly the adversary jumped in front of me and my temple experiences.

How grateful I am for President Hinckley's challenge for us to read the Book of Mormon every day and finish it before the end of the year. By starting my day with 15 minutes in the Book of Mormon, I am better able to balance all things in my life.

Walking with Alyce - part 2

2005-08-03T10:31:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned in my other blog, I walk with my back-door neighbor in the morning. Even though it took us a few weeks to get into the habit, we are up to three days in a row now!

This is a wonderful experience. Every morning not only do our footsteps wander, but so does our conversation. It is a renewing morning ritual.

Today our conversation wandered to personal revelation. It occured to me, as I was talking, that much of my revelation comes when I am talking! It's as if the Spirit puts words in my moutn. I guess I'm kind of an "on the fly" type of person, so it makes sense the the Spirit would sometimes speak to me "on the fly".

At the end of our walk we got on the subject of live being easy or hard. I have some feelings about this. I learned this from my Alchemists' class during an exercise. I find that I have some kind of subliminal need to do things the hard way because I believe I need to do things the hard way. However, life isn't supposed to be hard. I believe we are to get to a point where our hearts are changed (and sure, that means we have to be chastized, and we have to be taught by our experiences) and we have no more disposition to do evil. Can we get to the point where we are progressing without suffering? Interesting question.

Faith Promoting Rumor?

2005-08-03T10:26:00.000-06:00

I wonder if this is a true story, or just another one of our favorite faith promoting rumors.

Subject: Mormon Tabernacle Choir

In case anyone has forgotten. A while back, around December, our Prophet instructed the Tabernacle Choir to cancel their oversea tours including a trip planned to London. Why cancel a trip to London? London is a safe place right?Did you know that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was schedule to play on the day the bombs hit London?

Here is a message from a member of the choir:Dave Welch (the boss of my boss), who is in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, shared a very interesting story with us in a meeting this morning...He said that 2 years ago the choir scheduled a trip to perform in Scotland, Wales, England, and Paris for this summer. The trip was planned way back in 2003, with all the hotels and venues already booked. In December of last year, President Hinckley instructed the cancellation of the trip due to what he called "unsafe world conditions." So the European trip was canceled and changed to a tour of the Pacific Northwest, which took place during the past two weeks...

According to the tour itinerary, the 360-member choir would have been in London on the day when the terrorist attack took place.Also from a member that works at the Church Office Building: There is a little more to the story too. I know several members of the Tab choir who confirmed this. On the day of the bombings, theTab choir would have been scheduled to be leaving London for Scotland. One of the bombs exploded near the King's Cross station, in one of the tunnels, the same train station that the Tab choir would have gone through as they left for Scotland.

Listen to the Prophet even if his instructions do not seem to make sense. He is truly a prophet of God and still guides and leads the members of the church through dangerous times and can lead us to safety.

Now I understand

2005-07-27T10:28:00.000-06:00

I have figured out why I have been feeling a little bit blue and uneasy. A mother, regardless of how unconcious she is, does have the ability to know that things are not all well with her children.

When our children make mistakes, even serious mistakes, we need to use that time to teach, to show our unconditional love, and to never, ever give the impression that their errors are irrevokable. The Lord teaches us that all who repent and turn to him will be cleansed, in fact, He will remember the sin no more.

I guess this is the season for me to help my children understand the power and the possibilities of repentance.

But man, it's really taking an emotional toll on me. Guilt. Horror. Sadness. How could these things have happened? How did I manage to screw up my kids so much?

Then another voice in my head says, "This is their path, guide them along it, and all will be well."

There are angels among us...

2005-07-22T19:35:00.000-06:00

I believe with all my heart that when a mother kneels to pray and asks for protection for her children, there are those in the other realm who stand at attention and say, "Yes, ma'am".

This week one of my children was in a very serious situation, that had he not been found and resusitated he could have died. I believe that his angels, those who have stewardship over him on the other side, were there protecting and watching over him.

To those who watch over, and to those who pray for my children, I say thank you. I know you are there, for I have seen your hand in my son's life.

Judgements

2005-07-20T14:36:00.000-06:00

In conversation with a friend today we both discussed the fact that the older we get, the fewer judgements we have on others. For example, if someone isn't active in Church any more or isn't living a standard that I espouse, I don't think, "man, that person is going to hell". I just assume that is where that person is on his path.

This is a hugely different place than I was when I was in my thirties. I mean, what I thought was right was right, and anyone who thought differently was destined for heartache and sorrow.

I just can't waste the energy on judging others. I wouldn't want them to judge me, because tomorrow I may be in a totally different place. Judgement is up to God, and God loves us all perfectly, so I'm thinking He's pretty much got everything handled.

What is my higher self?

2005-07-15T12:36:00.000-06:00

This is a concept that is used frequently in "new age" and metaphysical philosophies. The Higher Self is the one that is in constant contact with the Divine.

I found this definition online: This "something" at the center of our being has many names:
SOUL, DEEP SELF, ESSENTIAL SELF, SPIRITUAL SELF, INNER SELF, TRUE SELF, ESSENCE, WISE & LOVING SELF, NAPHSHA (aramaic), NAPHESH (Hebrew), DUSHA (Russian), DVASA (Lithuanian), AME (French), ALMA, (Spanish)

The thought occured to me last night. When a person is resurrected into their perfect body, and the Lord declares that they are exalted on high, and will become a god... is there new knowledge that they get, or new "powers" that are endowed, or are they just given access to something they have always had?

Kind of the Ruby Slipper concept.

So, if that (which I haven't checked out scripturally) is true, is then our Higher Self able to access that information when we need it?

Something to think about.

2005-07-12T20:23:00.000-06:00

Sunday, June 26, 2005

I am nothing, I am magnificient
I hate missing church. It has been four weeks now since I have taken the sacrament. I stayed home today because I have the stomach flu.. I was within minutes of going, but I think I wisely decided to remain in bed.

Itâ€™s funny really. I love going to church, but unless I am in the right place myself (which I am not because of 2 weeks of being out of my routine) church can be a little pedantic. I go, I participate, but I do not come away fed. This is entirely about me. So, although I missed taking the sacrament today, I didnâ€™t miss going to meetings.

However, the bonus is this. I turned on BYU-TV and caught a conference address by Jeffery Holland from April 2002 entitled â€œThe Other Prodigalâ€�. Once again I am struck by how Father knows what I need to hear in order to resolve some conflicting thoughts I am having. How grateful I am for a loving Father who provides in the instant I need it.

Let me back up and explain why this talk was so important for me to hear.

Because of the class I am taking I am being bombarded with the message that I am remarkable, special, god-like, perfect, etc. I am to love myself so that I can love others. I am to step into my power as a woman and as a magnificent creature on this earth.

Last night in the Book of Mormon I read in Mosiah 4:

AND now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of speaking the words which had been delivered unto him by the angel of the Lord, that he cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and behold they had fallenâ€¢ to the earth, for the fear of the Lord had come upon them.

2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.

4 And king Benjamin again opened his mouth and began to speak unto them, saying: My friends and my brethren, my kindred and my people, I would again call your attention, that ye may hear and understand the remainder of my words which I shall speak unto you.

5 For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen stateâ€”

6 I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonements which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal bodyâ€”

7 I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world.

So, how do I resolve these two thoughts: I am less than the dust of the earth â€“ I am magnificent. It was kinda blowing my mind last night. I do not want to be sucked up into any false belief system. I do not want to incorrectly take on a concept that is against the scriptures in any way. So how do I come to terms with this?

Well, the Lord heard my prayers last night and answered them with Elder Holland.

"Come unto me all ye ends of the earth," He pleads, and buy milk without money and honey without price. All are privileged, the one like unto the other. Walk peacefully. Walk confidently. Walk without fear and without envy. Be reassured of Heavenly Father's abundance to you always.

Brothers and sisters, I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of usâ€”insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn't measure our talents or our looks; He doesn't measure our professions or our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other. I know that if we will be faithful, there is a perfectly tailored robe of righteousness ready and waiting for everyone, "robes . . . made . . . white in the blood of the Lamb." May we encourage each other in our effort to win that prize is my earnest prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

So, for now, the peace in my answer lies here: I am nothing without Jesus Christ. But because of His infinite love for me and his unending support and guidance, I can walk confidently, I can love myself perfectly, I can know that in and through Christ I can do all things. I am a champion, because I am championed by Christ. I am unique, because my Father in Heaven made me unique. I can rejoice in all that I am and all that I have because I know from whom it is all given.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 12:39 PM 0 comments
Thursday, June 09, 2005

Me and my friend.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 3:26 PM 0 comments
To my wonderful friend...
You are one of the most amazing women I have ever known. Our age difference means nothing, because you are my teacher. I am so grateful for that day back in 1990 when we met and became fast friends. I am grateful to be back in your life. Thank you, thank you for blessing me with the privilege of our friendship. Your graceful dance through this life is always an example to me. You are all that you have been told you are, and much, much more. Breathe it. Own it. Believe it.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 3:20 PM 0 comments
The errand of angels is given to women
I had an angel swoop into my life yesterday. It was one of those unexpected flurries of joy, and as is typical of angels, I had no idea that it was coming or the blessings it would bring.

Kathy Gamble is in my Alchemist's class, and is also in my small group. She is one of those remarkable women who just feels solid and full of love. She is precise and careful about her words (good lesson for Lianne), and her eyes radiate a depth that I hope I have someday.

Kathy has been a teacher for lo these many years, and has taken the step into the unknown called "retirement". I have a sneaking hunch Kathy is never going to retire.

So, out of the blue, this Angel Kathy calls me. She tells me she enjoys reading my blogs, in fact, she said they are a blessing to her. My blogs a blessing? (Say that five times really fast). She asks me how I'm doing getting ready for the cruise. I tell her I have ADD, she says, yes, I read about that. Then she pops the question. "What is your food assignment for the class." Oh, nothing much just soup and salad for 35.

I would like to take your food assignment, so you don't have to worry about it.

Wow. Does she know? Does she know what an incredible blessing that was?

So, Kathy, if you're reading my blog this morning, Thank you! Thank you! You were an angel to me.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 7:59 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, June 08, 2005

It is really that easy. Motivation is about keeping our eye on the Source. "Come, follow me."
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 9:44 AM 0 comments
Motivation, aka "Enduring to the End"
I know what works for me. Pretty much clear on the path. Pray. Lots and lots of prayer. Scriptures. Daily, deeply, drinking. Exercise. Yup, it's true. Hard, sweating, heard-pounding, breathing hard, exercise. Food. Less bad, more good. Water. Tons and tons.

There you have it. My secret for success.

One problem. There is something in me that stops doing what works. Isn't that insanity? I go for weeks and weeks performing the above formula, feeling great, feeling connected, feeling right.. and boom! All of a sudden the Evil Lianne takes over and stops.

Food. All day, every day, get as much in my mouth as possible. Exercise? Sure I'm at the gym every morning, but who says I have to actually work out? Prayer? Mornings usually, evenings, rarely. Scriptures? Sure. Don't remember the last time, but I know where they are. Does that count?

So naturally I've thought a lot about motivation. How do we get it, how do we keep it, where does it come from?

It's no accident the Lord tells us to "endure to the end".

"Enduring to the end, or remaining faithful to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout life, is a fundamental requirement for salvation in the kingdom of God. This belief distinguishes Latter-day Saints from many other Christian denominations, which teach that salvation is given to all who simply believe and confess that Jesus is the Christ. "

"The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi1 taught the principle of enduring to the end as a requirement of salvation: "After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost,â€¦and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you not to have known meâ€¦. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved" (2 Ne. 31:14-15; cf. Heb. 6:4-6). As Nephi explains, enduring to the end involves having faith, hope, and charity; faithfully following the example of Jesus Christ; and always abounding in good works (cf. Alma 7:23-24): "Unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be savedâ€¦. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end,â€¦ye shall have eternal life" (2 Ne. 31:16, 20)."

I know all that. Boy do I know it! So where do I get it... that elusive ability to endure, to press forward, to keep going, to just do it, damn it.

I think I know that answer too. It's so simple is silly. It's so simple I'm almost embarrassed that I don't remember every second of every day of my life.

"Ask and ye shall receive. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Lord Jesus, I am weak. I am the least of thy daughters, and I need thy help. Please bless me with the ability to continue on, to do the things that keep me close, that keep me connected, that keep my healthy. I am only able to overcome my weakness through thee. Bless me, Lord Jesus.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 9:10 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, June 07, 2005

This is my great-great-grandfather, Robert Taylor Burton.
Born 1821 Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada
Baptized 1838; Ordained Elder by 1843
Married Maria Susan Haven 1845;
Member of Nauvoo Legion in Nauvoo and later in Utah. Rose to rank of Major General
Ordained High Priest 1875
Second Counselor to Presiding Bishop 1874-1884
First Counselor to Presiding Bishop 1884-1907
Died 1907 Salt Lake City, Utah

posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 11:58 AM 0 comments
Walking in the footsteps of our heritage
My son John left early, early this morning for Youth Conference. Our stake is taking the youth to Martin's Cove to walk the path of the Martin Willey Handcart Company.

My great-great grandfather, Robert Taylor Burton, was part of the rescue. (see above)

President Gordon B. Hinckley said this about Martin's Cove: The Mormon Pioneer Trail is "a trail of tragedy, a trail of faith, a trail of devotion, a trail of consecration, even the consecration of life itself..." Terrrible was the suffering of those who came her [Martin's Cove] to find some protection from the heavy storms of that early winter. With their people hungry, cold and dying from sheer exhaustion, they came up into this cove for shelter. And then they died here, some 56 people. They are buried somewhere in this earth. We stand here with bare heads and grateful hearts for their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of all who were with them along this tragic trail...[May this site be visited by] generations yet to come, who, like we, may bow their heads in reverent remembrance of our forebears who paid so costly a price for the faith which they carried in their hearts. - President Gordon B. Hinckley, Church News, August 22, 1992

I want John to feel their sacrifices. I want him to feel the import of what these people did for us, what they represent to us. We live here in Utah in our comfortable homes, with our highways, and grocery stores, and cell phones, and internet. I want him to be able to step out of his comfort zone and hurt, and be cold, and be hungry, and to extend his faith to his God.

Sometimes I can be quite cynical about all the pioneer celebrations. That is rather harsh coming from the grand daughter of Brigham Young, William Clayton, Robert Taylor Burton, etc. Sometimes I feel that with a world wide church, the emphasis on the pioneers into Utah is over done. I donâ€™t feel that way today. I believe in their example, I believe in their miracles, I believe in their heritage.

May my son walk in their footsteps and feel a part of their faith.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 10:51 AM 0 comments

Martin's Cove - the handcart trail. Walking in the footsteps of our heritage.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 10:50 AM 0 comments
Monday, June 06, 2005

The Sacred Grove
How grateful I am for Joseph Smith. I don't even quite know how to put my feelings about him into words. Suffice it to say I know he was and is a prophet of God, and that by his hand the Lord restored all things.

Praise to the man.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 4:59 PM 0 comments

The Sacred Grove.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 4:59 PM 0 comments
Friday, June 03, 2005

Coincidence? I don't think so.
Do you ever wake in the night in prayer? I did last night, several times. For my husband, for my children, for my loved ones.

Do you ever feel the hand of the Lord upon you, even in the simplest things? Do you ever wonder if others can see in you what you feel inside?

The strangest thing happened this morning. As I was getting dressed at the gym, at least THREE women told me how cute I looked today. Hecky darn, I get dressed there every day and no one even says boo.

Then at work at least TWO people have said the same thing.

Believe me, aside from the Diet Coke stains on my shirt (see other blog) there is nothing remarkable about what I am wearing today. OK, I do have my pearl and rose quarts necklace on, but that wasn't even around my neck when the gym incident happened.

I believe that when I pay the price, as I did last night in my study and prayer, and in my prayers this morning, the Spirit has so magnified itself in me, that others see it without even knowing they are seeing it.

Wild, huh?

Now if I can just hold on to that. But that is an entirely different discussion.
posted by Lianne Young Hatch at 12:08 PM 0 comments
Thursday, June 02, 2005

When all hell breaks loose...
It never ceases to amaze me that the more I draw close to that which is truth and light, the harder the Adversary pushes against me.

I understand that Joseph taught about the principle of "equal time". I feel sometimes that the Adversary doesn't even wait for us to receive more light and knowledge, he just knows we're thinking about it.

Last night I was struck with how profoundly I need the Lord's guidance in parenting, in wifeing, and in every other aspect of my life. Duh.

I asked for guidance through the scriptures, and I was taken to D&C 27: 15-18, regarding the whole armor of God.

I am to lift up my heart and rejoice, gird up my loins to be ready for what is coming, and I will be able to withstand the "evil" day, or any other day, for that matter. I need to stand... stand in the present, stand in truth, righteousness, with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. I need to carry the shield of faith (it shields me insomuch as I go to a place of acceptance of God's will), that I may quench the fiery darts of the adversary (ouch! that smarts!). I need salvation in and on my head, and the sword of the spirit (and His word which he will reveal to me!)

How grateful I am for the Lord's direction to me, through the living word of the scriptures, and the living word of His spirit to me directly.

2005-07-12T20:21:00.000-06:00

Learning about Acceptance

You all know the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."

Well... there is more to it.

"Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. "

I am learning a lot about acceptance, about all those things I cannot change. I can't change my kids, my husband, the people at work. I can't change circumstances, places, or things. I can't change God's will. So, I might as well accept things as they are.. with the understanding that I can change myself with the help of Jesus Christ.

I have always been interested in philosophy and religion. Lately I have been browsing through mainstream pop-culture books on spirituality. Can I just say it is just "the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture." It's not that they are dead wrong, they just miss the mark.

Love is the answer. All we have to do is love.

Is that wrong? Not entirely. If everyone loved more, we'd all be entirely more Christlike. However, isn't that a gross simplification? It's sort of like saying, "Have faith." Faith in what? All love generates from Jesus Christ, but doesn't love have to have some purpose?

Oh crap, I'm starting to sound like those wacky books.

All I know is that I have to filter everything through the scriptures. EVERYTHING. My scripture study has been something that I am committed to on a daily basis. I feel like in order to truly know truth and to really accept God's will, I have to be busy building my foundation in the scriptures every day.

So, without disclosing too much about my personal struggles, I have come to understand that the problems in my life are usually there to teach me something about myself and to draw me closer to Heavenly Father, and help me remember Jesus Christ all the time. And isn't it funny that we are to "accept" those things in our live we cannot change, because their ultimate purpose is to change us! It is only after we are changed, and our paradigm has shifted, that our circumstances appear to change.

And now for my daily statement of the obvious: Heavenly Father really has it all figured out!